Overview
MKHP (melamine-faced hard paper) is a thermoset laminate per DIN 7735 / EN 60893-3-4: a phenolic-resin-impregnated paper core faced on both sides with decorative, light-fast melamine resin cover layers. The melamine surface gives the material a very high tracking resistance (CTI 600) and makes it the standard material for medium-voltage switchgear as well as decorative cladding in medical technology and laboratories.
Plain phenolic-bonded hard paper (PF CP) is brown and achieves only a CTI of around 100 - insufficient for many electrical engineering applications. The additional melamine resin cover layers raise MKHP's tracking resistance to CTI 600, enabling use in medium-voltage switchgear up to 30 kV, while providing a light-coloured, weather- and light-resistant surface.
MKHP achieves typical values of around 130 MPa flexural strength, around 100 MPa tensile strength and around 150 MPa compressive strength, with a flexural modulus of around 7,000 MPa and a density of about 1.4 g/cm³. The limit temperature for continuous use is 120 °C. Liedtke also offers the glass-fabric-reinforced variant MKHP+ with further increased mechanical strength.
Typical applications include insulating and partition panels in medium-voltage switchgear, fuse insertion plates and covers in switchgear construction, hospital furniture and medical technology cladding, and laboratory and sports facility fittings - wherever tracking resistance needs to be combined with a light, decorative surface.
Technical Data
| Property | Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| General Properties | ||
| Density | 1.4 g/cm³ | DIN 53479 |
| Water absorption (4 mm) | 80 mg | DIN 53495 |
| Colour | light grey (RAL 7035) | – |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| Flexural strength 23 °C | 130 MPa | DIN 53452 |
| Impact strength | 15 kJ/m² | DIN 53453 |
| Notched impact strength (Charpy) | 4 kJ/m² | DIN 53453 |
| Tensile strength | 100 MPa | DIN 53455 |
| Compressive strength, parallel | 150 MPa | DIN 53454 |
| Delamination strength | 2000 N | DIN 53463 |
| Flexural modulus | 7000 MPa | DIN 53457 |
| Electrical Properties | ||
| Tracking resistance CTI | 600 | IEC 60112 |
| Dielectric strength (1-min test voltage, parallel) | 20 kV | DIN 53481 |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| Limit temperature (continuous use) | 120 °C | VDE 0304, T.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions about MKHP
1What is MKHP?+
MKHP is a melamine-faced hard paper per DIN 7735 / EN 60893-3-4: a phenolic-resin-impregnated paper core with decorative melamine resin cover layers. The melamine surface gives the material a very high tracking resistance (CTI 600) combined with a light, light-fast appearance.
2How does Liedtke machine MKHP?+
We saw, mill, drill and turn MKHP with sharp, carbide-tipped tools into dimensionally accurate precision parts. The material should be at room temperature before machining; we ensure adequate dust extraction.
3What determines the price of an MKHP part?+
The component price is determined mainly by sheet thickness, dimensions, material utilisation (offcuts), machining effort and batch size. MKHP is priced above plain, unfaced hard paper due to the melamine resin cover layers. We are happy to provide binding prices on request based on your drawing.
4When is MKHP not the right choice?+
MKHP is not declared for direct food contact, and it is not designed for continuous use above approximately 120 °C. If higher mechanical strength is required, the glass-fibre-reinforced MKHP+ is the better choice; as a thermoset, MKHP also cannot be reshaped or welded.
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